EA Sports Cup Preview: Derry City -v- Finn Harps

DERRY CITY

It’s a quick reunion at the Brandywell for Derry City with local rivals Finn Harps following their league meeting at the same venue on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

Ciaron Harkin scored his first senior hat-trick as the Candystripes eased to a 4-0 victory over Harps after Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe had opened the scoring in the first half.

That result lifted Declan Devine’s side to within a point of third-placed Bohemians, with a four-point cushion from chasing St Patrick’s Athletic.

“I’ve said before that I have never been involved in an easy match against them, either as a player or a manager, and I don’t expect that to change this week,” Devine said ahead of Friday’s game.

Michael McCrudden and Patrick McClean remain on the injured list but Darren Cole could return after sitting out Friday’s game with a knock.

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps return to the Brandywell for the second time in four days as the relentless fixture schedule begins to take its toll on injury-hit Harps.

Ollie Horgan is down eight first-team players due to injury and suspension ahead of their quarter-final meeting with Derry.

Harps were 2-0 down at half time in the Brandywell and doubled the deficit by the end, but they’ll have to put the disappointment quickly out of their minds for Monday.  

“When we play this EA Cup game it will be four games in like 11 days and that is a hectic schedule,” Horgan told the club’s website.

“It has brought a couple of more injuries but we’ll batter on and face the challenges that are ahead. We never got going on Friday night and paid a heavy price.

“It’s going to take a massive improvement to be in with a chance of defeating Derry on their home pitch.”

Harry Ascroft, Gareth Harkin, Mark Timlin, Ciaran Gallagher, John Kavanagh and Michael Gallagher are injured. Jacob Borg is ruled out as he serves a one-match suspension

Referee: John McLoughlin

MATCH STATS

Derry and Harps have already met twice in the league this season, with the Candystripes getting the better of their neighbours on both occasions.

David Parkhouse scored two late goals as Derry won 3-2 at Finn Park in April, before the 4-0 at the Brandywell on Friday made it two from two for Declan Devine’s side.

BETTING

Derry City 1/5; Draw 4/1; Finn Harps 9/1.

PREDICTION

Derry City – Finn Harps

Derry City

Injured: Patrick McClean, Michael McCrudden.

Doubtful: Darren Cole.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: Harry Ascroft, Gareth Harkin, Mark Timlin, Ciaran Gallagher, Michael Gallagher, John Kavanagh

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Jacob Borg